Week In Review

Saturday 9th of October, our family visited Geelong and specifically the Ecofest. It was a great day and we looked at all the market stalls and sat in the church and listened to Andrew Lucas from Transition Town Bell, who talked about the Transition movement. It was a great presentation, informative and I asked lots of questions. Then we watched a 30 minute documentary about the movement and some of the things it has achieved so far. If you want to learn more visit the Transition Network website.

Then it was my turn to speak on the subject of “My Green Epiphany”, which was quite ironic seeing that I was delivering the presentation in a church. I would never have thought four years ago that I would be giving a green sermon about my green awakening on holy ground. Anyway, I enjoyed myself and I believe the crowd of 12 people did as well. They kept asking questions for what seemed like ages, especially ones about cheese. You should have seen their eyes light up when the slide about cheese making came up on the screen near the end of the presso. It was amazing. I was even beginning to think myself that was there no end to this blokes talent. Not trying to big note myself (well, maybe a little), but it is not until you are 45 minutes into a presentation and it hits you that you have travelled a long way in the last 4 years. It is amazing what you can put your mind to when you really are driven and willing to learn from trial and error. Many thanks to Andrew and Alicia Ryan for inviting me to speak on the day.

Sunday 10th of October. I tidied up the garden and put down two batches of beer to ferment. Cerveza and a Coopers Lager. Then popped around to the neighbours house for a BBQ and some home brew. Nice.

Monday 11th of October. I gave a edible gardening presentation at an aged care facility in our town. I had a ball and they were a lively bunch who had lots of questions and even gave me some tips. It was well received and they invited me back for another session on Friday. Alas, it was not to be as I had to return to work on Thursday.

Tuesday 12th of October; We had a class of teenagers visit from a local high school. They wanted to learn about sustainable living in the suburbs, so where better than to have a tour around my humble abode. The kids were very talkative, and asked some pertinent questions like “How many kWh does your PV system make on average?”, and some not so pertinent questions, like “Why are you chickens so sexy?”. All in all good fun and I hope they learned something.

It was also Ben’s birthday party. Here is a picture of the fantastic chocolate cake that Kim made him.

The cake was so yummy. All home baked except for the malteasers on top.

Wednesday 13th of October; Rest. I did absolutely nothing for a change!

Thursday & Friday; Back to work Gav, your two week holiday is over! I was so knackered after each day that I just went to bed early each night.

Saturday 16th October; I bottled 46 litres of beer which cost me about $35 to make. Quite a bargain when the average carton of beer which contains only 9 litres costs $50! It took 3 hours to bottle all of it, but well worth it, and ready to drink in about 3 weeks time. I think that next time, I will just put down one batch at a time. Afterwards, my neighbour Rick and I took a trip to the home-brew shop in Sunbury. We were like a couple of school kids in a lolly shop. I bought two kit beers with extras, so will be putting them down over the weekend to come.

I also did a bit of gardening just to tidy up for a special visitor who turns up this Wednesday with a film crew. Announcement later on in the week!

Sunday 17th of October; Garden work which included mucking out the chook house. What joy, and a bit smelly after the heavy rain we had during the week.

After talking to the girls for about an hour and laughing at their antics, I waxed the Pyrenees with green peppercorns, and while I was at it, decided to wax the Parmesan as well. I want to see what difference it makes in texture as I have only oiled my Parmesan cheeses in the past.

As you can see by clicking on the picture, the Pyrenees will be ready in February 2011, and the Parmesan in July 2011. It seems so long to wait, but from experience it is well worth the wait. Luckily I have a Caerphilly that is ready in two weeks time!

It was also Megan’s birthday, and we had a small party for her. I prepared her requested dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. All home made with the meatballs and pasta sauce made by yours truly. A great evening to cap of a very busy week and a bit!

And the big announcement. Vasili of Vasili’s Garden will be visiting on Wednesday to film an episode of his show in my garden. Ben is taking the day off of school to participate as well. We are all very exited here on TGOG suburban farm. The show usually airs the week after shooting, but I will let you know when I find out closer to the date.

Maresi! (I like it)

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About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Stop it, you have got me going now, and I don’t even know what I am crying about. 😉

@ Julie,

Yes, I will give everyone plenty of warning. I think it is replayed a couple of times during the week. Do you get C31 or TVS in your neck of the woods. If not, he usually posts it on his website in a few days.

@ JulieG,

Thanks mate, it will be a great day tomorrow. I have just been repotting some tomatillos and tomatoes so that I don’t look like a sloppy gardener!

Would you believe that I feel fully charge after my holiday. I wouldn’t know how to sit still during a holiday, as there is just so much more to do.

Hi Gavin, I was at the EcoFest. Sadly I wasn’t one of your 12 attendees as I was there too early and had to leave. I enjoyed the stalls- picked up some good cheap pea straw which was delivered later that day, some dishcloths and lots of good ideas. I was inspired to begin converting my veggie patch to no-dig. My 12 year old had a bit of fun playing the old-fashioned ‘unplugged’ games.Hopefully it will become an annual event!

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About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

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TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

Always inspiring and entertaining!

August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

ms

July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do.
Thanks Gavin, love it!!

Well worth your time to tune in

October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast !
I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to.
Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

very good

June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

opened my eyes

May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

A wonderful show!

Inspiring

April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

Green Living, inspiring and practical

January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

Local food equals less waste

December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

Honestly australian

December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

Morning motivation

December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

Passionate Advocate

October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

Gavin speaks from the heart

October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

Green thoughts, so well iterated

October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

Easy listening inspiration on being green

September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

Thanks Gavin!

August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm

August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

Green Podcasts

July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

Practical ideas and inspiration

July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

Interesting & easy to listen to

April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

Great green listen

April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese